Introduction...

Hello all...
I've actually been a member for about a year.. but just came back this week. I was looking for some tech info and parts last year for my 1983 Maxim XJ750. It's in original Yamaha full-dress.. and I refer to it as a baby Venture.
Here's a photo the day I bought it ($1200 in 1987).



It had 4798 miles.. and was in excellent condition. Unfortunately... I have never had a place to keep it inside- and never used a cover. I repainted it (wine metallic) around 1996... and have begun reconditioning her again after the tranny started acting up. With almost 57K on the clock... I figured it was better to just get another engine. I found a parts-bike in Ohio, swapped engines, and have put another 20K on her (so far). She's daily ridden... as long as it's not raining or snowing...and above 35 degrees.
I'll post some photos of her again- when she's together enough to not be an embarrassment. I have to have the bag-guards re-chromed, finish rebuilding the side-bags (cracks), and re-painting the bags and trunk. The front Fairing and gas tank are now Hunter-Green metallic ('96 Mustang color) with silver striping. I also need to address a valve-cover leak and detail the engine. I will probably strip and polish the clutch and alternator covers.. and have several other items re-chromed.

 

Ohhhhhh, what I would give to have been in your shoes back then....
Beautiful to say the least. Good luck with the resto, take your time and do it right. You'll be glad you did.
Nice socks.

 

Are you using Moms good towels on your bike again? I would say you got your moneys worth out of it. Good looker she was post some pics of the new paint scheme I bet it looks good being Green and all not that its my favorite color or anything

 

Hey... it WAS 1987 ya'know...

 

Right there ...
Is THE Bike ...
Yamaha could sell a Boat Load of ...
IF they would only make them again!!!

That's a Beauty. An as the Member pointed-out, ... looks like a "Pocket Venture"

With Fuel Injection and a Tranny with a 6-Speed Box (or 5th Gear as a TRUE Overdrive) ... I'd camp-out to be one of the first to buy a NEW one.

 

The tube socks bring back fond memories. I still wear them once in awhile.
That looks similar to my first Maxim I bought in 1986.

 

Lol those shorts are classic!!!

 

That's cool

 

I see the inside of the garage is lined with tin foil, so is that to keep aliens from spying on you or do you have a gro-op going on? J/K
That is a nice looking bike and post the pics anyway it's great to see the build progress. No embarrasment in showing what you are doing.

 

Here's the "embarassing" photo of the bike now (today)... It's OUTSIDE-UNCOVERED (in the rain) as it has been the last 23 years of my ownership.
Since this is my "parts-getter and mileage machine".. it is rarely parked for more than a few days at a time. It's tough to work-and-ride on the bike. I was forced to park her for several weeks, as I found an replacement engine. During that time, I did rebuild the front fairing and wind-wings, They had many, many, stress cracks from years of vibration and abuse. I redid the tank and side-covers, and painted the lot a a mid-90's Mustang "Hunter Green". The engine swap was a quickie- and I didn't have time to detail it like I should have. Spring was here and I needed the bike for transport ASAP. That was 2-years and 20K ago. But when you restore antique cars for a living... it's hard to get time or motivation to work on your own stuff.. the old "cobblers kids have no shoes" syndrome..
I might get some time over the winter to finish the bags and have the brackets re-chromed... If that goes smoothly.. I'll detail the engine also. But, she'll still be parked in the driveway.. and ridden every (dry) day over 40 degrees...

 

Good write up so far, but why not get a cheap bike cover to at least keep the rain of, it would help a bit, especially with the chrome and aluminum bits.